Teen sailor Jessica Watson acclaimed a national hero
(Extra)
Sydney - Round-the-world sailor Jessica Watson was acclaimed an
Australian national hero Saturday when she made a triumphant return
to Sydney after a 210-day voyage.
Watson, who turns 17 on Tuesday, was looking remarkably fit but
understandably unsteady on her feet when she clambered out of her
10-metre boat and walked with her parents to be greeted by Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd on the steps of the Opera House.
'Jess, welcome back to dry land. Welcome back home to
Australia,' Rudd said as thousands cheered and clapped the plucky
schoolgirl
'You may feel a little wobbly on your feet just now, but in the
eyes of all Australians, you now stand tall as our newest
Australian hero,' Rudd said.
'You are a hero for all young Australians, you are also a hero
for young Australian women.'
